Dear WOUNDED: I just got the results of a 360 evaluation at work. I got slammed on my ability to energize others. I didn't even know they measured that stuff.
ANSWER: Cheveon Ford was arrested in Pensacola, Fla., and charged with making false 911 calls. According to authorities, and the News of the Weird, Ford's only explanation was that he had no more minutes on his cell phone and he knew that 911 calls were free.
Many of us treat our coworkers like Cheveon did with those 911 calls — as a free call. I disagree. You need to see your coworkers as an investment. If you'd like to get their support, you've got to return the favor. Below you'll find three Do's and one Don't for energizing others. For more ideas, check out "Focus on the Good Stuff" by Mike Robbins (Wiley, 2007).
DO Be enthusiastic. Have you ever plugged your laptop into a dead outlet? You check the computer. You check the cord. Then a genius walks by and flips the switch. Shazam! So find your switch before somebody pushes all your buttons. Maybe it's some chair aerobics. Or just step outside to inspire — or breathe in — some inspiration. Humor really resets the brain — put a rubber chicken in your drawer or your coworker's. Lastly, my favorite — M&Ms (that's Mindful Meditations)!
DO Be thankful. Unfortunately thankfulness is an afterthought to most of us. Being thankful is a habit we've all managed to break. Who has time to think about all of the great people in the office? You know, the people who covered your back or pitched in when you needed help? It takes less than a second for me to say "thanks" — and I'm from Jersey. You'd be surprised at the level of energy some well placed one-second "thank-yous" can bring.
DO Communicate. Have you ever been walking down the street and caught a glimpse of yourself in a storefront window? Were your shoulders hunched, eyes deadened and your head down? Up to 80 percent of communication is non-verbal. Oliva Newton-John was right, "Let me hear your body talk!" There's an old phone sales technique that borrows from this. Keep a mirror at your desk to monitor yourself when you are talking to others on the phone. Smile when you talk and people will feel your energy.
DON'T Be selfish. "Looking out for No. 1" is a common self-help book mantra, but a lousy way to act at work. Most people can sense when someone is focused on their own good at the expense of team success. I'm not saying that there aren't times when we have to look out for our own interests, it's just important that it's not all the time. Pay attention to the needs of your coworkers. Look for opportunities to pitch in and support them.
Follow these tips and you won't be on your own next time you have an emergency at work, your coworkers will be there to offer first aid.
Go team … What is the most important trait of a good team player
Meeting deadlines, 40 percent
Avoiding politics, 25 percent
Being pleasant to work with, 20 percent
Supporting managers, 13 percent
From: Accountemps
Bob Rosner is a best-selling author, speaker and internationally syndicated columnist. He'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic, especially if you have better ideas than he does. His books include "The Boss's Survival Guide" and "Gray Matters: The Workplace Survival Guide." Send your questions or comments to him via: bob@workingwounded.com.
ABCNEWS.com publishes a new Working Wounded column every Friday. This work is the opinion of the columnist and in no way reflects the opinion of ABC News.
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